Calling all Top Gear, racing and thrill seeker fans Have you got what it takes to beat The Original Stig 10 places are up for grabs to race against Perry McCarthy, Top Gear's original Stig, on 25 August 2009 at London's premier karting circuit The Raceway.
The auction takes place during Transaid Week which runs from 29 June to 3 July and is set to be a fantastic week of fundraising and awareness for the international development transport charity Transaid.
Ten lucky winners will experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to race against the ultimate challenger, the original Stig The Stigs identity has always been shrouded in mystery, even after Top Gear claimed Michael Schumacher as the man behind the famous white crash helmet during the first show in its 2009 season. However many die hard Top Gear fans will know that the original Stig distinguished by his black racing overalls and helmet was eventually killed off after his true identity as ex-Formula 1 driver Perry McCarthy was discovered.
The afternoon will start with a qualifying session followed by two intense races. The Stig will start at the back of the grid to give you a head start! After the excitement of the race, the three top drivers will climb the podium and receive their trophies!
If cycling's more your thing, Transaid's charity auction also includes several other great prizes including the Land Rover bike signed and ridden by BBC Radio 2's Sally 'Traffic' Boazman across Kenya in 2007, a signed Everton football from the 2006-2007 season and a set of signed books from the hugely popular Alexander McCall Smith series 'The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency'.
Funds raised from this year's auction will go directly towards supporting Transaid's vital work to improve transport efficiency across Africa. Current projects are focused on improving access to healthcare for women and children in northern Nigeria and increasing professional driver training standards to improve road safety in Zambia.
Chris Saunders, Chief Executive of Transaid explains the importance of Transaid's work: "Road deaths are fast becoming the third biggest killer in sub-saharan Africa after HIV/AIDS and malaria. With this strongly in mind, our projects are designed to make transport safer, cheaper and more efficient. We are greatly reliant on support from the industry to achieve this and are thankful to everyone taking part in Transaid Week. It really is a great way to increase our awareness within companies whilst raising money for our projects."
Auction bidding starts at 11:00 hrs on the first day of 'Transaid Week', the 29 June. The 10 places up for auction will be staggered during the week. So if you fancy yourself as the next Jenson Button or know someone who does, don't miss out, get bidding at www.ebay.co.uk/transaid. For more information on the auction, race day and how you can be further involved in Transaid Week please visit www.transaid.org and www.theraceway.net or contact marketing@transaid.org.